The Gathering closes after 28 years in Uptown

By Sandie Torres | SDUN Reporter

A local favorite nestled on the corner of Goldfinch St. and Washington Ave. in Mission Hills, The Gathering has served San Diego families for almost three decades. As it prepares to close its doors on Jan. 5, those who made The Gathering so well loved looked back upon their experience.

“My favorite part of working here are the customers,” Restaurant Manager Jack Coleman said. He and his wife Wendy Coleman, head waitress, have worked at The Gathering for a combined total of nearly four decades.

Patrons became regulars at The Gathering because of the welcoming reception of the proprietor and staff. Once, in 1996, a patron asked if he could have one of the small American flags that decorated the windowsills. The flag was for his dying father, a Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps. His request was generously granted. When the World War II veteran passed, that flag was placed over his heart in the coffin.

This is a bittersweet time for owner and San Diego native Dan Thomas. He has been in the restaurant business for forty years and attributes his success to “the value of being nice.”

“You have to look [the customers] in the eye, remember their name, treat them as if they are family,” Thomas said.

Thomas has the experience to back that up. He entered the restaurant business at age 15, remaining loyal to the industry while putting himself through San Diego State. He took an opportunity to run his own restaurant in Florida in 1980 before returning to San Diego to open The Gathering.

Thomas will remain the landlord for the location’s new owners, siblings John and Jill Ealy. He hopes to reduce his stress levels in light of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, and he’s optimistic about his future plans. Thomas hopes to continue his motivational speaking, do some traveling, and, as he’s quick to show the restaurant’s patrons, develop his magic-trick performances. Still, with plans for the future, the bond he’s formed with The Gathering and its customers is very strong.

“I have seen people go from high chairs to bar chairs” said Dan of his many customers.

In the past 28 years, the long-loved restaurant has survived two locations, a yearlong fire restoration and street construction that nearly blocked the entrance. In spite of all the challenges, The Gathering has become a staple of Mission Hills.

Friends, old and new, will have an opportunity to celebrate The Gathering’s legacy on Jan. 5 from 5 – 8 p.m., when Thomas will be serving complimentary appetizers to as a fond farewell to customers.

Editor’s note: While this article looks at the legacy The Gathering leaves behind, look forward to  coverage this month about what’s in store for the location’s future.